ATI T5 + Reefbrite XHO + Orphek OR2 Blue Plus?

BurgerFish · Feb 17, 2020

I have ATI 36 inch 6 bulb dimmable and Reefbrite XHO Actinic.

The colors doesn't "pops" like I wanted. It pops, but I want more.

I have 2 options:
Buy one more Reefbrite XHO Actinic. I like the idea of it's reflector, I think the light spread is amazing. Or buy Reefbrite Pro.

Buy a Orphek OR2 Blue Plus. It's cheaper and add more blue and purple spectrum. But doesn't have the reflector like XHO.

I have a classic T5 combo (front to back):
B+
B+
C+
B+
P+
B+

So, whick way is better?

The Bearden Pack · Feb 17, 2020

I am looking at the Orphek because of price. Not sure it is better, but cheaper on the pocket.

Mrmiles · Feb 17, 2020

I have a ATI 6 bulb too and considering adding an led bar. SB Reef have one I'm looking at as well as the ones mentioned.

fishead · Feb 18, 2020

Wish I'd bought Reefbrites instead of OR2s. Ordered two of the Blue Plus and one turned up being the old gen light. It died before I could return it. Orphek sent a replacement and now it dies intermittently. The original correct light now has the perspex or whatever it is cover lifting off and have it stuck on with tape. Never again for me Orphek.

Mrmiles · Feb 18, 2020

Good to know. Sorry to hear you got broken gear. Reef breeders have one too with a year guarantee I think.

TerraFerma · Feb 18, 2020

If you don’t mind going DIY you can build a very high octane cool blue/hyper violet led bar.

I too found that even with a decent amount of B+ Bulbs the reef brites have trouble making some things look the way people expect them to look.

BurgerFish · Feb 18, 2020

Mrmiles said:
SB Reef have one I'm looking at as well as the ones mentioned

Can I attach SB Reef to ATI by default?
What advantage of SB Reef compare to Reef Brite?

TerraFerma said:
If you don’t mind going DIY you can build a very high octane cool blue/hyper violet led bar.

Do you have any example of this?

BurgerFish · Feb 18, 2020

fishead said:
Wish I'd bought Reefbrites instead of OR2s. Ordered two of the Blue Plus and one turned up being the old gen light. It died before I could return it. Orphek sent a replacement and now it dies intermittently. The original correct light now has the perspex or whatever it is cover lifting off and have it stuck on with tape. Never again for me Orphek.

Thanks for info. OR2 is excluded.

Mrmiles · Feb 18, 2020

BurgerFish said:
Can I attach SB Reef to ATI by default?
What advantage of SB Reef compare to Reef Brite?

Do you have any example of this?

It comes with a bracket for ATi fixtures.
Check it out https://www.reefbreeders.com/shop/lumenbar-color-36/

BurgerFish · Feb 18, 2020

Here https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/reef-brite-vs-sb-reef-bar.343678/page-2#post-6870547 the author recommends Lumi Lite for color pop.

TerraFerma · Feb 18, 2020

BurgerFish said:
Can I attach SB Reef to ATI by default?
What advantage of SB Reef compare to Reef Brite?

Do you have any example of this?

I used the Steve’s LED narrow heatsink. It doesn’t need a fan but any cooling is always appreciated.

Cree and Philips both make great royal blue LEDs. The new cree ones can be run up to 2000ma...but thats overkill and you want some violets in there too which can only take up to 1000ma.
I just used the Meanwell non dimmable drivers. Considering building another one now that I’ve switched back to T5. SB bar seems close at a good price point so might do that instead.

BurgerFish · Feb 18, 2020

TerraFerma said:
SB bar seems close at a good price point so might do that instead.

SB Bar is better for color pop than Reefbrite XHO?

YankeeTankee · Mar 11, 2020

How is the shimmer with the Reef brite XHOs?

pirate2876 · Mar 11, 2020

I use the reefbreeders UV bar and it's insane how much pop you get from it.

BurgerFish · Mar 12, 2020

YankeeTankee said:
How is the shimmer with the Reef brite XHOs?

Nice shimmer when T5 is off. Not too intense like with kessil.
With T5 on - zero shimmer.

RCS82 · Mar 12, 2020

You should have no problem with "pop" using a Reefbrite XHO. Corals need to have the colors for them to pop. Although nothing mind blowing, here is a shot with a single XHO. I was always happy with my Reefbrite.

Travis Alderman · Mar 12, 2020

BurgerFish said:
Thanks for info. OR2 is excluded.

I have 2 orphek OR2's on my 6ft long tank along with kessils. I love them. It's a great way to add more evenly spread light but still hang on to that shimmer that goes away with standard t5 lighting. Also the spectrum is spot on for growing corals.